Heads up for the new regs
 

I would hope everyone is reading the regs anyways but just a heads up to those using felt-soled wading boots. It’s no longer aloud. Last year was strongly recommended that you don’t use them so I saw it coming. Anyways if you’re like me you’re going shopping for new boots this year.

Do you mind to post a link or a quote? I just checked and didn’t find this anywhere?

I think this is the document the OP is referencing. http://www.albertaregulations.ca/fis...anagement.html Although it tells anglers to not use felt-soles, it doesn't go so far as to regulate the use. A very confusing article.

Under Important Changes for 2018, which is under Ministers Message:
(I did not see it as prohibited anywhere myself)

Everyone including anglers can help stop the spread of Whirling Disease. CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY YOUR GEAR after each use. DO NOT use felt-soled waders, to reduce the risk of spreading whirling disease in Alberta.

Here is one of the answers:

New Product Review: Svelte - An Alternative to Felt on Wading Boots ...
https://www.fieldandstream.com/.../n...ve-felt-wading...
Mar 3, 2011 - We all know that the days of felt soles on wading boots are numbered... at least in some places. Citing felt's role in the transport of invasive species that can harm fisheries, wildlife agencies are encouraging (and in some cases mandating) the use of non-felt boots. Thing is, the jury is still out on the grip and ...

Confusing,,, most definitely!!!!

But I am going with the "not mandatory" interpretation!

Strongly recommended but not yet required by the regulations is my interpretation. If it was required it would be in the general regulations section I believe.

I think this is similar to the "Never Cull Fish" statement in the regulations. The regs explain how culling and felt soles can hurt fisheries, but later stipulate at the end of the culling section that "Culling is unlawful if the practice occurs beyond a person’s legal limit."

So more of a "Please don't do this".

Similar to the barb hooks situation. Suggest you go barbless but no law say you must.

Also noticed in the Regs;
"The Federal Government is moving forward with changes to the Alberta Fishery Regulation. To have Tiger Trout listed as a sportsfish in Alberta. This will allow Alberta to define quotas and size restrictions for Tiger Trout. "

Like they couldn't have done this before they dumped them in.
But considering guys were taking buckets last year, this is a no brainer.

Best bet is call fish and wildlife. Last year it said it’s recomemde not to use them and now it’s in the changes section and in bold all caps says do not so I see it as it’s not aloud. Anyways guess everyone has a different take on it. Up to you what you do with the info but I went and got some rubber soles.

Allowed and aloud are different words with different meanings.

Haha your right. That’s why I fish and I’m not an English professor. Spell check can only do so much

"to reduce the risk of spreading whirling disease"

Since whirling disease is pretty much in all our river systems already this seems a little late...

Agreed. I believe this is just general guidance, not an enforceable regulation yet. A quick scan for the words felt or sole turned up zero hits on the relevant provincial and federal regulations for me. And there is nothing listed in the Prescribed Offences and Fines to the Alberta Fisheries Regulations yet.

By the looks of the Fishing Hole's big sale and clearance on felt soled wader boots I'm thinking they're on their way out!! :thinking-006:...Just sayin'

Just wanted to clear up any misconceptions regarding felt soled boots as it is very poorly written in the regs booklet. There is NO official (legal) ban of felt soled boots in Alberta other than in the National Parks which are federally directed. Anglers are being encouraged to consider their options when looking at purchasing new wading boots.
I hope this clears up the confusion.

David
Fish Tales Fly Shop
Calgary, AB